SPED team teacher/staff feature!
Mrs. Merkouris, Mrs. Bork-Hickey, Megan Reisdorfer, Mrs. Keckler, Mrs. Erickson, Mrs. Lang'at, Mrs. Block
This group of dedicated educators goes above and beyond every single day to ensure students are supported. JHE benefits from their tireless efforts to make sure every student feels seen, valued, and capable of achieving great things.
Specials Team teacher feature!
Mrs. Fitzsimmons, Mrs. Rhode, Mrs. Wynthein, Ms. Levisay (Not pictured: Itinerant specials for K04, 104, and 404- James Borges, Cassie Larson, Jacob Fossing, Rachel Selberg).
Our Specials Team shines bright every day!
With creativity, passion, and kindness, they provide students with opportunities to explore, grow, and discover new talents. From sparking imagination to building lifelong skills, this team makes a lasting impact on every child’s journey.
Let's hear it for our specials team!
Third grade teacher feature!
Ms. Lux, Mr. VanBriesen, Mrs. Potas, Mr. Garry
Third grade is a big milestone—it’s the bridge from primary to intermediate learning. Our third grade teachers are dedicated guides, helping students build confidence, strengthen skills, and take on new challenges with curiosity and independence.
Let's hear it for third grade!
Kindergarten teacher feature!
Mrs. Costello, Mrs. Hohwieler, Mrs. Marso (long term sub), Mrs. Estep (out on maternity leave), Mrs. Schempp, Mrs. Mediger.
Our kindergarten teachers bring unmatched energy, expertise, and care to the kinder classrooms each day. They are passionate about laying the foundation for learning, guiding students as they take their very first steps into school life.
Let's hear it for kindergarten!
Yesterday, students learned about the HERO expectations in different spaces throughout the building. These rotations help students know how they can be successful in many environments.
Thanks JHE PTO for providing a breakfast to our staff this morning!
Fifth grade teacher feature!
Mrs. Beck, Ms. Mayer, Mrs. Ideker, Mrs. Kielman
Our fifth grade teachers create an engaging learning environment where every student is encouraged to take ownership of their growth. As the last stop before middle school, this team intentionally nurtures a sense of responsibility and leadership.
Let's hear it for the fifth grade team!
Fourth grader teacher feature!
Ms. Powers, Mrs. Slager, Mrs. Effling, Ms. Sandvig, Mrs. Childress
The fourth grade team is a hard working group of educators, committed to providing enrichment/intervention to meet students' learning needs. They value strong relationships and making connections to help students find their path to success!
First grade teacher feature!
Mrs. Lyngstad, Mrs. DeLamontanya, Mrs. Dykstra, Mrs. Doering, Ms. Nosbush
This passionate group of educators brings collaboration and care to everything they do. Together, they create a warm and supportive learning environment where every child is encouraged to grow, explore, and succeed.
Today is the day! 📣
We are excited to support The Barrel House's all-day Hungry Hearts Fundraiser benefiting the Angel Fund, which helps ensure every student in the Sioux Falls School District has access to a meal. Come out and enjoy some great food, fun activities (dunk tanks, bouncy house, axe throwing, and more!), and make a difference for our students! Hope to see you there!
📍The Barrel House 4701 E. 54th Street | 12-10 pm
Find more details and the full schedule of activities here! ---> https://www.facebook.com/share/175iWYEjfD/
We are excited to support The Barrel House's all-day Hungry Hearts Fundraiser benefiting the Angel Fund, which helps ensure every student in the Sioux Falls School District has access to a meal. Come out and enjoy some great food, fun activities (dunk tanks, bouncy house, axe throwing, and more!), and make a difference for our students! Hope to see you there!
📍The Barrel House 4701 E. 54th Street | 12-10 pm
Find more details and the full schedule of activities here! ---> https://www.facebook.com/share/175iWYEjfD/
Second grade teacher feature!
Mrs. Hayzlett, Mrs. Wilson, Ms. Saylor, Mrs. Koelker
The second grade team is committed and dedicated to student success. Each day, they create engaging learning opportunities, support one another, and ensure every child feels valued and encouraged.
Let's hear it for second grade!
The first day of the 25-26 school year is in the books!
Join us this Saturday at the Barrel House for a Hungry Hearts fundraiser!
📅 Saturday, August 23rd
📍 The Barrel House – 4701 E 54th St, Sioux Falls, SD
🕛 12 PM – 10 PM
Let’s come together for a day of community, fun, food, and fundraising in support of Hungry Hearts! ❤️
Activities throughout the day include:
🪓 Axe Throwing (12–3 PM)
🎯 Dunk Tank, Bouncy House, Face Painting, Kid’s Games (12–7 PM)
🎨 People's Choice Rib Contest (Starts at 12 PM – coins available for $20)
🛍 Silent Auction (Closes at 7 PM)
🦙 Zoo Mobile with live animals (1–3 PM)
🔥 Live Auction Closes (6:30 PM)
💍 Dream Wedding Winner Announced (7 PM)
Food (Starting at 12 PM):
🍔 Burgers, Brats & Sides (Free Will Donation – matched up to $20,000!)
🍧 Snow Cones & Cotton Candy (12–5 PM)
Live Music Lineup:
🎧 12–2 PM: DJ Dontai
🎸 2–4 PM: Simply Travis & Dan
🎤 4–6 PM: Connie McColl
🥁 7–10 PM: Funk Fuh Fried
❤️ 100% of the proceeds go to support local families in need through Hungry Hearts.
Bring your friends, your appetite, and your giving heart. Let’s make a difference together!
Thanks to our community partner, Southern Hills Church, for providing a hot dog meal to JHE families during open house. We are grateful for their generosity.
The 25-26 school year is nearly here! Our custodians, Steve, Alex, Phul, and Mohamed have cleaned our hallways and learning spaces. Boxes and boxes of supplies have been distributed. The floors are perfectly waxed. Please extend a big thank you to our custodial staff for making JHE a clean and comfortable place to learn and work. Tomorrow, our full staff officially returns to the building. We are excited to meet and connect with families at Open House, Tuesday the 19th from 4pm- 6pm!
Office staff has been back in the building for a week. We have so enjoyed seeing families come into the office!
Toni Oberg is now our lead clerical. We welcome Kristi Weiland to JHE as our attendance clerical.
We hope everyone has had a wonderful summer and looking forward to seeing students in a couple of weeks!
Did you know, the Sioux Falls School District offers FREE preschool opportunities for eligible families?
Give your child a strong start, right from the beginning!
Call to learn more and see if your family qualifies! 605-367-8488
The 5th grade vs. staff basketball game was Monday! The staff team got the win, but the 5th graders showed a lot of grit and hung in there! Great sportsmanship all the way around!
The 5th grade end-of-year party was last Friday! It was so much fun! Thanks to all the parents that helped make the afternoon special!
Our third graders and their families enjoyed the "Literacy Lunch" today. Typically, we'd be outside, but with the wet ground, everyone made the best of it and found a location inside!
